Name: Strawberry Caprese Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and halved); 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine); ½ cup fresh basil leaves (torn or chopped); 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; ¼ teaspoon salt; ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

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If there’s a single dish that captures the beauty of summer on a plate, it has to be this Strawberry Caprese Salad Recipe. Imagine the juiciest strawberries mingling with creamy mozzarella balls, sweet cherry tomatoes, and the fragrance of fresh basil, all lightly kissed by a balsamic glaze. With every bite, you’ll enjoy a striking balance of sweet, savory, and tangy, making this salad an absolute showstopper at any meal or gathering.

Strawberry Caprese Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This is one of those recipes where simple, high-quality ingredients truly shine. Each element plays a vital role in the taste, texture, or color of the dish, turning basic groceries into something special. Here’s what you’ll need, along with tips to get the very best flavor.

Strawberries: Use ripe, hulled, and halved berries for a burst of natural sweetness and gorgeous color.
Cherry tomatoes: Halve them for easy eating; try heirloom varieties for a colorful twist.
Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine): Their soft, milky flavor brings richness and balances the sweet and savory notes.
Fresh basil leaves: Torn or chopped, basil adds a bright, herby aroma that ties everything together.
Balsamic glaze: A drizzle elevates the salad with tangy sweetness and beautiful dark ribbons.
Extra virgin olive oil: Just a tablespoon brings everything to life, adding silkiness and depth.
Salt: A sprinkle sharpens the flavors, making every ingredient sing.
Black pepper: A dash heightens the salad’s freshness with mild warmth.

How to Make Strawberry Caprese Salad Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Fresh Ingredients

Grab your largest, prettiest salad bowl and add the halved strawberries, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella balls. The combination of colors alone is enough to make anyone’s mouth water!

Step 2: Toss with Basil

Scatter the torn or chopped basil leaves over the top, then gently toss everything together. Take care not to bruise the berries or basil – you want them looking their best!

Step 3: Season and Drizzle

Drizzle the salad with extra virgin olive oil, then season with salt and black pepper. A light hand is all you need; every bite should have a touch of seasoning without overwhelming the natural flavors.

Step 4: Add Balsamic Glaze

Just before serving, take a deep breath and slowly drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad. This is where the magic happens – the sweet, sticky glaze pulls everything together with its tangy pop.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Toss once more if desired, then bring the Strawberry Caprese Salad Recipe right to the table. It’s meant to be enjoyed immediately, at peak freshness, sparkling in the summer sun!

How to Serve Strawberry Caprese Salad Recipe

Garnishes

For a little extra crunch or elegance, try sprinkling toasted pine nuts or chopped pistachios on top just before serving. They pair beautifully with the creamy cheese and juicy fruit. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a grating of lemon zest can also add a zippy finish.

Side Dishes

This salad is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a starter before grilled fish, chicken, or Italian mains, or pile it atop rustic bread for an open-faced sandwich. Its freshness also makes it an excellent companion for picnic spreads and backyard barbecues.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the bowl! Try assembling the Strawberry Caprese Salad Recipe on skewers for a party-friendly appetizer or arrange it on a platter as a stunning centerpiece. Layering the ingredients in individual jars also makes for a charming picnic or lunchbox treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any salad left, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within a day, as the strawberries and mozzarella can become watery over time. A quick toss before serving will help to recombine the flavors.

Freezing

This is not a freezer-friendly dish. Freezing will drastically change the texture of the strawberries and mozzarella, making them soft and unappetizing once thawed. For best results, always serve the Strawberry Caprese Salad Recipe fresh.

Reheating

Since this is a no-cook, cold salad, there’s no need to reheat. For the best experience, simply bring the salad to room temperature before enjoying any leftovers. If the salad has become a bit watery, just drain off excess liquid and add a fresh sprinkle of basil.

FAQs

Can I substitute another cheese for mozzarella?

Absolutely! Burrata makes a luxurious substitute if you want a creamier texture, or try thin slices of provolone or feta for something a little tangier. Just be sure the cheese is fresh and mild to let the strawberries and tomatoes shine.

What kind of balsamic glaze should I use?

You can use store-bought balsamic glaze for convenience, or make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar until thick and syrupy. Homemade adds a personal touch, but both taste fantastic drizzled over the Strawberry Caprese Salad Recipe.

Can I make the Strawberry Caprese Salad Recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the ingredients up to an hour before serving, but wait to add the balsamic glaze and fresh basil until just before serving for best flavor and texture.

Are there any nut-free garnish options?

If you need to avoid nuts, try using toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch, or simply serve the salad as-is with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and lemon zest.

What makes this salad “Caprese”?

This recipe is a playful spin on the classic Caprese salad, which traditionally features mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and balsamic. The addition of strawberries adds a summery sweetness, giving the Strawberry Caprese Salad Recipe its unique twist while staying true to the Italian-inspired roots.

Final Thoughts

If you’re longing for a dish that’s as joyful to eat as it is to look at, make the Strawberry Caprese Salad Recipe your next kitchen adventure. Share it with friends, bring it to a picnic, or savor it on a sunny afternoon – and get ready for rave reviews around every table.

Strawberry Caprese Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

A delightful twist on the classic Caprese salad, this Strawberry Caprese Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings. Juicy strawberries, cherry tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella are tossed with fresh basil and drizzled with balsamic glaze for a burst of flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad:

2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and halved)
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
½ cup fresh basil leaves (torn or chopped)

Dressing:

2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the strawberries, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls. Add torn basil and gently toss.
Drizzle and Season: Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss gently to coat.
Finish and Serve: Just before serving, drizzle balsamic glaze over the salad. Serve immediately as an appetizer or side dish.